`Bev's red` peach tree

#The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of peach tree which will hereinafter be denominated varietally as "Bev's Red" and, more particularly, to a peach tree which produces fruit which are mature for commercial harvesting and shipment approximately May 15 to May 18 in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California and which are large sized, highly colored and of good quality.

#The development of new varieties of fruit trees is a continuing and necessarily painstaking process. The commercially significant attributes and general quality of tree fruit available on the market continues to improve as the result of the discovery and development of new varieties of fruit trees. As a consequence, varieties which were once considered superior may be surpassed in a very few years by new varieties with greater commercial appeal. Thus, in an effort to keep pace with competitors, many of those within the industry aggressively seek new varieties of superior character, particularly as to those criteria which the industry deems most important. Without such efforts, there is a risk of not remaining competitive in the marketplace.

#However, the selection of superior fruit tree varieties from among a myriad of candidates requires patient observation over many years. A new variety which is a descendant of an existing, commercially successful variety may be an attractive candidate. Nonetheless, frequently such new varieties lack certain characteristics required for commercial success. It is rare to find such a new variety which exceeds the characteristics of an illustrious parent in a multiplicity of commercially significant criteria. The new variety of the present invention is believed to be such a descendant.

#The accompanying drawing is a color photograph showing fruit of the new variety including a first in side elevation showing the suture thereof; a second showing the base end; a third sectioned to show the flesh thereof; a fourth showing the apex end; and a fifth in side elevation; a stone of the new variety; and foliage typical of the new variety of peach tree.

#Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of peach tree, the following has been observed under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchard of origin which is located in Arvin in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California. All major color code designations are by reference to the Dictionary of Color, by Maerz and Paul, First Edition, 1930. Common color designations are occasionally employed to indicate color.

#Generally: Tree is hardy under climatic conditions typical for the southern San Joaquin Valley of California.

#Size.--Trained to a standard vase shape and has from 76.2 cm (30 inches) to 121.92 cm (48 inches) of growth in the upper portion of the canopy prior to pruning.